Were you testing phosphates and nitrates a day after each nitrate addition?
I was testing PO4, not NO3. I wasn't seeing a drop even though I was steadily increasing the NO3 addition. I think the biggest issue was testing the NO3 using a test kit that is accurate enough. Takes so long to test using the Red Sea kit.
Any update on your system Erk?
To update this thread, my alk level dropped to 7.3dKH and then kind of stopped. So I'm just holding there and will let it drop once uptake improves. I reduced vodka dosing to 3mL. This resulted in an increase of NO3. I attribute the rise in PO4 to stopping GFO and reduced carbon dosing. NO3 was at 5ppm per the API kit. Will be testing everything tomorrow. PO4 has risen to .141 ppm per the latest test. I was worried the rocks would still be leaching PO4, but it appears that is no longer an issue.
I've lost most of my hard corals so far. I kinda expected this with the changes to the system. I'm hoping the few that are still left will hold out and eventually rebound. Algae growth has changed. Whereas I would usually get hair algae and green film algae, now those are waning and I'm getting more bubble algae growth. I attribute this to the increased PO4 and NO3 availability. I still get the brown film algae. It's not bacteria as it really adheres well if I don't clean it off. As a whole though, "pest" algae has declined.
Coralline algae growth has increased. Prior to the changes, it was growing well, but not rampant. Now, I'd say it is more rampant in its growth. For good or bad. I do take this as a good sign that lowering alkalinity was the right choice. Not sure if the increased nutrients are helping it, but they aren't hurting it.
I will be testing alk, PO4, and NO3 tomorrow. If I see that NO3 is rising, then I'm going to increase vodka by 1 mL to try and hold at about 5 ppm.